Lea's 2nd Annual Reading Challenge - COMPLETED

[Alissa]

Seeeeeeeeeee you're going to end up finishing the list in March like i said lol

[Lea]

Alissa wrote: "Seeeeeeeeeee you're going to end up finishing the list in March like i said lol"

I just might. I'm on a roll!

[Lea]

Dear Ms. Hazelwood,

I really enjoyed The Love Hypothesis, devouring it quickly and finishing it way before I was supposed to! I wish I could give it five enthusiastic stars, but there were a couple of things that bugged me and kept me from rating it higher. The book had two things that aren't my favorite: 1) the "let's pretend we're dating" thing and 2) the "all sorts of miscommunications could have been avoided if we'd just talked about it" situation. I also really didn't like the one of the main character's best friends and so sometimes it was really hard going. On the other hand, another one of the main characters did something so kind for their high school best friend, it brought tears to my eyes and I loved it. This was the first book I read by you, but now I want to read all of the others.

Your latest fan,
Lea

[Faouzia]

I'm a little bit late to the party, but : what a great list Lea! I am unfamiliar with many of your choices and others are already in my TBR.
I liked your letter to Virginia Woolf, i think i might finally give a try to To the Lighthouse a try.

[Lea]

Faouzia wrote: "I'm a little bit late to the party, but : what a great list Lea! I am unfamiliar with many of your choices and others are already in my TBR.
I liked your letter to Virginia Woolf, i think i might finally give a try to To the Lighthouse a try."

Faouzia, if you try Virginia Woolf, I think the best advice I've received is to read her like that one person in your life that rambles on and on. Try to visualize what she is writing, but keep on going. I hope the book is good for you!

[Lea]

Dear Mr. Backman,

You've done it again. Your words made me cry. I didn't want to read The Winners because you told me what would happen in the Prologue, and I didn't want that to happen. You broke my heart 100 times and made me care about your characters, people that are imperfect and flawed, but I love them anyway. You truly are talented, and if I ever learn Swedish, it will be so I don't have to wait for your books to be translated into English.

Love,
Lea

PS You really should have kept the original title. Those Who Run Towards Fire was a perfect title.

[Lea]

Dear Mr. Gladwell,

While I don't agree with your analysis on everything, I did enjoy The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference quite a bit. It's the third book of yours that I've read, and I hope it won't be the last. I think there is quite a bit that is still relevant today, 23 years later. That said, I think Outliers: The Story of Success is still my favorite book you've written that I've read, but I do hope to read more of your work in the future.

Regards,
Lea

[Bill, Moderator]

Lea wrote: "Dear Mr. Gladwell,

While I don't agree with your analysis on everything, I did enjoy The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference quite a bit. It's the third book of ..."

I enjoyed The Tipping Point as well. It's been awhile since I read it but I think I found some of his case studies kind of self - evident. I enjoyed the other book of his more, Talking to Strangers. But it was still interesting as my first exposure to Gladwell.

[Lea]

Bill wrote: "I enjoyed The Tipping Point as well. It's been awhile since I read it but I think I found some of his case studies kind of self - evident. I enjoyed the other book of his more, Talking to Strangers. But it was still interesting as my first exposure to Gladwell."

I wasn't convinced on the smoking case study or on the crime statistics - I found the case made in Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything for the decline in crime to be much more compelling.

I have now read the following Gladwell books and rated them subjectively:

Outliers: The Story of Success - 5 stars
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference - 4 stars
Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don’t Know - 3 stars

I am hoping to read Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking, maybe it will make my list next year. That is, if I stop looking at everyone else's list! :-)

[Lea]

Dear Ms. Johnson,

I really enjoyed reading The Space Between Worlds. I loved the concept of a multiverse where some can travel. But, I don't think the science really held up here and I felt like the rules kept changing to suit the storyline. Still, it was a really good book, and I have a feeling that I'll want to read the sequel, whenever it gets written.

All the best,
Lea

[Bill, Moderator]

Lea wrote: "Dear Ms. Johnson,

I really enjoyed reading The Space Between Worlds. I loved the concept of a multiverse where some can travel. But, I don't think the science really held up here a..."

I hadn't heard of this before. It sounds interesting.

[Lea]

Bill wrote: "I hadn't heard of this before. It sounds interesting."

I'm glad I read it, it was a pretty quick read. If there weren't so many plot holes, I would have rated it much higher. I'm pretty impressed for a debut novel.

[Lea]

Dear Ms. Conly,

I just finished Rasco and the Rats of NIMH, and I didn't enjoy it as much as I enjoyed Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. I understand the desire to write more books in the series that your father wrote, but I didn't think this one held up as much. I also didn't like what you did with Isabella. I will read the last book in the series, fingers crossed that I was just grumpy and the next book will be better.

Regards,

Lea

[Lea]

Dear Mr. Baldacci,

I just finished The Camel Club, and I ended up liking it. About 25% of the way into the book, I wasn't very impressed. I felt like all the twists and turns were way too obvious. I've felt this way about your books before, so I should know better. Some of the twists and turns are super easy, but the plot is also building in some twists and turns that I did not anticipate, maybe because I was too busy complaining that the book wasn't sophisticated enough. Haha, the joke is on me. I did enjoy a few of the unexpected twists and it was nice to see that some of the discrepancies that I had flagged in the earlier part of the book as being completely out of character, actually had a reasonable explanation. I am going to continue with the series. I am super anxious for Alissa to finish so we can talk about your book.

Regards,
Lea

[Michelle]

Great letter! My husband reads a lot of Baldacci and he's always trying to get me to read them. I have read a few and enjoyed them. I think my reluctance to read more is similar to how you felt above and you make me think I should take his advice and read a few more of them. Have you read the Atlee Pine series? That is on his list. Maybe I need to go home and check them out.

[Alissa]

Getting ready w List #2??? HMMMMM?????

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Lea wrote: "Dear Mr. Baldacci,

I just finished The Camel Club, and I ended up liking it. About 25% of the way into the book, I wasn't very impressed. I felt like all the twists and turns were way..."

I have Balducci on my TBR, but have a different book I am starting with. His stuff sounds pretty good, but I think I definitely have a much earlier work.

[Karol]

Lea wrote: "Dear Mr. Baldacci."

Lea, I enjoyed your letter to the author! I've seen his books in my local libraries, but I don't personally know someone who has read one of them. I need to increase my circle of friends!

Anyway, I've wondered what his books are like and your letter gave me a sense of his style. I'll probably grab one off the library shelf to read.

[Lea]

Michelle wrote: "Great letter! My husband reads a lot of Baldacci and he's always trying to get me to read them. I have read a few and enjoyed them. I think my reluctance to read more is similar to how you felt above and you make me think I should take his advice and read a few more of them. Have you read the Atlee Pine series? That is on his list. Maybe I need to go home and check them out."

No, I haven't read the Atlee Pine series yet. I have only read the Sean King and Michelle Maxwell series so far. However, one of my friends likes to buy me books and keeps buying me various random Baldacci books because he is one of her favorite authors and unlike me, she doesn't care at all about reading books in order. I am hoping to finish out the Camel Club series and then move into the Will Robie series, because there is some cross over. See what you think. For me, his books start slow and seem basic, but they do seem to get better once I get into them. I have the opposite problem with Grisham who starts books beautifully, but doesn't seem to end them satisfactorily for me. I think the authors are somewhat comparable - both former attorneys who like to write thrillers. :-)

[Lea]

Alissa wrote: "Getting ready w List #2??? HMMMMM?????"

NO! Ok, maybe.... :-) :-) :-)

[Lea]

Alondra wrote: "I have Balducci on my TBR, but have a different book I am starting with. His stuff sounds pretty good, but I think I definitely have a much earlier work."

I'll be interested in seeing what you think about his work when you get to it. I have a variety of his books on my shelves, but so far, I've only read the Sean King/Michelle Maxwell series and this book. I think some of his earlier work has been made into movies/TV shows, but I haven't seen any of it.

[Lea]

Karol wrote: "Lea, I enjoyed your letter to the author! I've seen his books in my local libraries, but I don't personally know someone who has read one of them. I need to increase my circle of friends!

Anyway, I've wondered what his books are like and your letter gave me a sense of his style. I'll probably grab one off the library shelf to read."

I hope you enjoy his books too, Karol! I got introduced to them because I have a friend who loves his books. She likes to buy me books and gives me some of her castoffs too. So, I'll be reading a variety of Baldacci books in the future as she is always asking for feedback. We all need to have lots of book friends who introduce us to new authors. :-) That's what I like about this group.

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Lea wrote: "Alondra wrote: "I have Balducci on my TBR, but have a different book I am starting with. His stuff sounds pretty good, but I think I definitely have a much earlier work."

I'll be interested in see..."

I have The Innocent, which is #1 in the Will Robie series. I hear good things about this series, so I am ready. I also snagged a copy of the first book. I hope I like it, because I find these books at some great prices at my favorite UBSs.

[Michelle]

Thanks to my husband I did read Baldacci's The Christmas Train. That's a great one for anyone who likes to read a Christmas book around the holidays.

[Lea]

Alondra wrote: "I have The Innocent, which is #1 in the Will Robie series. I hear good things about this series, so I am ready. I also snagged a copy of the first book. I hope I like it, because I find these books at some great prices at my favorite UBSs."

I have The Innocent too! I'm hoping to read The Camel Club series first, and then go into the Will Robie series, because I've heard there are characters that cross over, and I'm a bit of a freak about reading stuff in order. I'm tentatively planning to read The Innocent in the Fall! We'll have to compare notes when we both get to the book. :-)

[Ioana]

Lea wrote: "I have the opposite problem with Grisham who starts books beautifully, but doesn't seem to end them satisfactorily for me. I think the authors are somewhat comparable - both former attorneys who like to write thrillers."

Hmmm, I feel the same bout Grisham but haven't read any Baldacci yet. I'm not sure I want to add another series to my list...

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Lea wrote: "I have The Innocent too! I'm hoping to read The Camel Club series first, and then go into the Will Robie series, because I've heard there are characters that cross over, and I'm a bit of a freak about reading stuff in order...."

Mmmm; crossover characters, eh?? I wasn't so sure about The Camel Club; but depending on Will Robie, I may read that too.

Harry Bosch has crossover characters, but I hated Mickey Haller so much, that I refuse to read any more of that series. 🤦🏾

[Lea]

Ioana wrote: "Hmmm, I feel the same bout Grisham but haven't read any Baldacci yet. I'm not sure I want to add another series to my list..."

I know just what you mean. I always promise myself that I'm going to try and close more series before I start another series, but it's impossible. Authors keep making series that weren't before and adding books to series that we thought were done, so a reader is almost never done with a series. And every once in awhile, I am rebellious and have to start some new series anyway. I love the idea of having much less series on the go, but it's just an idea.

[Lea]

Alondra wrote: "Mmmm; crossover characters, eh?? I wasn't so sure about The Camel Club; but depending on Will Robie, I may read that too.

Harry Bosch has crossover characters, but I hated Mickey Haller so much, that I refuse to read any more of that series. 🤦🏾"

I thought the Camel Club was pretty good. It started out slow, but before too long I was wondering what was going on. But, I totally agree, read the Will Robie series and see if you are a match.

I'm embarrassed to say I haven't read a single book by Connelly. I've always said I would, just as soon as I get more caught up on my existing series, but that never ever happens. :-)

[Lea]

Dear Ms. Gyasi,

Wow. I'd heard that Homegoing was good and it had been recommended to me many times, but I kept setting it aside because I knew the subject matter would be tough and there are only so many tough books I can read before I need something different. It took Alissa selecting this book for our monthly read for me to read it and I thought this book was worth it. There were so many layers to the story and so much symbolism. To me, this book is one that should be a classic. I have so much respect for you to write something like this at the age of 27, to spend 7 years writing such a magnificent piece of literature. What great talent you have. I loved this book, and I loved the ending.

Your newest fan,
Lea

[Ioana]

Lea wrote: "Ioana wrote: "Hmmm, I feel the same bout Grisham but haven't read any Baldacci yet. I'm not sure I want to add another series to my list..."

I know just what you mean. I always promise myself that..."

If Baldacci wasn't so prolific, I might consider him...but he has too many series, too many books. Maybe I'll change my mind someday.

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Lea wrote: "I'm embarrassed to say I haven't read a single book by Connelly. I've always said I would, just as soon as I get more caught up on my existing series, but that never ever happens..."

The Harry Bosch series is good; but it is a loooonnnggg series; 25+ books so far. I do feel like you can step away, and then come back to it without feeling lost.

[Lillie]

Think the only Connelly I’ve ever read is The Lincoln Lawyer and I remember liking it. But then I saw the movie with whatshisname and did not continue with any of the other books. (Can’t stand him)

On the other hand, I’ve watched the entire Bosch series (think you recommended it Alondra??) and now I want to read the series. But it’ll have to wait till next year.

As for Homegoing, I’ve had the same should I or shouldn’t I, can I handle the rough going what I’ve heard about, going on in my head. Reading your take, Lea, it’s moved up my list but maybe next year? Or the year after, lol

[Michelle]

For those of you that are hating Mickey Haller due to his portrayal by a certain someone on the big screen, look for the Lincoln Lawyer series on pay TV. I can't remember if it was on Prime or Netflix but it was really good. I think they combined the first two books because there was more to the story than in the Lincoln Lawyer. I liked the portrayal of Mickey Haller and you are going to love Earl.

[Lea]

Ioana wrote: "If Baldacci wasn't so prolific, I might consider him...but he has too many series, too many books. Maybe I'll change my mind someday."

Yes, I can understand that. I do own a couple of his standalone books, but we all know that standalone books are just series that haven't yet been written. :-) :-) :-)

[Michelle]

Lea wrote: "Ioana wrote: "If Baldacci wasn't so prolific, I might consider him...but he has too many series, too many books. Maybe I'll change my mind someday."

Yes, I can understand that. I do own a couple o..."

So true!

[Lea]

Alondra wrote: "The Harry Bosch series is good; but it is a loooonnnggg series; 25+ books so far. I do feel like you can step away, and then come back to it without feeling lost."

Yes, and I think that is what always makes me pause. I know I will eventually pick up the series, I know I'm missing out on one of the Harry's. I just keep hoping that when I do, I will have less series on the go.

[Lillie]

Michelle wrote: "For those of you that are hating Mickey Haller due to his portrayal by a certain someone on the big screen, look for the Lincoln Lawyer series on pay TV. I can't remember if it was on Prime or Netf..."

Thanks! I’m going to go try to find it

[Lea]

Lillie wrote: "Think the only Connelly I’ve ever read is The Lincoln Lawyer and I remember liking it. But then I saw the movie with whatshisname and did not continue with any of the other books. (Can’t stand him)

On the other hand, I’ve watched the entire Bosch series (think you recommended it Alondra??) and now I want to read the series. But it’ll have to wait till next year.

As for Homegoing, I’ve had the same should I or shouldn’t I, can I handle the rough going what I’ve heard about, going on in my head. Reading your take, Lea, it’s moved up my list but maybe next year? Or the year after, lol"

I haven't read The Lincoln Lawyer or watched the movie, so note to self, consider whether I want to watch the movie...

I'll be eager to see what you think about the Harry Bosch books. I would join you, but I've already committed to re-reading Agatha Christie, and that author has a lot of books and series, so that will keep me busy for awhile. :-)

Re: Homegoing, I really liked Gyasi's writing style. I did cry reading the book, but the book didn't exhaust me. I did need to read something totally different at the same time to give myself a break when it got a bit tough, but it wasn't as bad as I feared it would be, if that makes any sense.

[Lea]

Michelle wrote: "For those of you that are hating Mickey Haller due to his portrayal by a certain someone on the big screen, look for the Lincoln Lawyer series on pay TV. I can't remember if it was on Prime or Netflix but it was really good. I think they combined the first two books because there was more to the story than in the Lincoln Lawyer. I liked the portrayal of Mickey Haller and you are going to love Earl."

That's good information to know, thanks. :-) I watch so few shows on either the big screen or TV, so if I'm going to watch something, I always like to pick the right one.

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Lillie wrote: "Think the only Connelly I’ve ever read is The Lincoln Lawyer and I remember liking it. But then I saw the movie with whatshisname and did not continue with any of the other books. (..."

I think Bill is the culprit on the series recommendation. I still need to watch that; the Dresden Files and another. I did start The Expanse though; so, I am not a total loser! 😩😩🤦🏾

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Michelle wrote: "For those of you that are hating Mickey Haller due to his portrayal by a certain someone on the big screen, look for the Lincoln Lawyer series on pay TV. I can't remember if it was on Prime or Netf..."

Okay; so yet another series to catch up on..... *sigh* 😭

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Lea wrote: "Alondra wrote: "The Harry Bosch series is good; but it is a loooonnnggg series; 25+ books so far. I do feel like you can step away, and then come back to it without feeling lost."

Yes, and I think..."

At least you don't have to worry about waiting for the next book in the series, to come out. LOL

[Lea]

Alondra wrote: "At least you don't have to worry about waiting for the next book in the series, to come out. LOL"

Yes! I caught up on the Harry Dresden series...and now I have regrets...because I keep waiting for the next book to come out!!!

[Lea]

Dear Mr. Grisham,

I just finished reading Sparring Partners, and I thought the book was good, but not great. To be fair, I don't usually enjoy shorter stories, and this was three novellas packaged together. I thought the issues were of interest, but wasn't keen on the endings. Only one story in the three was about Jake Brigance, so I don't really know why Goodreads thinks it is a series book. Nonetheless, I was entertained, but I definitely wouldn't recommend this one for anyone starting out reading your work. You've definitely written other books that I prefer over this one.

Regards,
Lea

[Lea]

Dear Ms. Hilderbrand,

I finished A Summer Affair, and I hardly know how to rate the book. In general, I was disappointed in it. The book was about a woman who agreed to co-chair a gala, and the impact that had upon her marriage, her family and her friends. I didn't care about the gala, her marriage, her family or her friends. But I did like her career - glass blowing, and that part was interesting. In the end, I decided I didn't hate the book, it wasn't unreadable. It just wasn't that interesting to me, and the ending was lackluster. I hope the next book in this "series" is a little bit better.

Disappointed,
Lea

[Patricia]

I started to say 'I'm sorry you didn't like the book', but really, I'm sorry you read a book you didn't like. She is kind of a frustrating novelist. I have enjoyed some of her books, but others are just a waste of time. Hope you have something great to read next!

[Lillie]

I keep thinking about picking up one of her novels because they look like good summer/beach reads but haven’t yet. Think this author’s going to go on my “maybe when I have nothing else to read list”

[Lea]

Patricia wrote: "I started to say 'I'm sorry you didn't like the book', but really, I'm sorry you read a book you didn't like. She is kind of a frustrating novelist. I have enjoyed some of her books, but others are just a waste of time. Hope you have something great to read next!"

I completely agree with you on Hilderbrand. Frustrating is the right way to describe it. I really loved The Rumor and liked The Matchmaker and Here's to Us just fine, but I could not get on board with this one or The Blue Bistro. Basically, the ones that Alissa, Denise and I have read in our buddy reads. I started the next book in the series, but if the same characters are featured prominently, I'm going to have to abandon it and move onto something that is more to my liking.

[Lea]

Lillie wrote: "I keep thinking about picking up one of her novels because they look like good summer/beach reads but haven’t yet. Think this author’s going to go on my “maybe when I have nothing else to read list”"

Lillie, I loved The Rumor, if you ever decide to pick up anything, grab that one. I would avoid The Blue Bistro and A Summer Affair - those two are my least favorites so far. I did move right into the next book in the series, it was right next to it on my book shelf, and I want to reorganize. If it doesn't grab me, I'll pick something else.